Stock Photos
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Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Getty Images's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 289 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 91 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/28/2023
Type:Order IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
IStock Photo is using a very confusing description of a trial offer to trick people into an annual subscription. There is a false promise of being able to cancel at any time, which I did. Now they are charging me every month for a service I am not using and do not want. They claim they are clear in their contract but it is not clear in what they advertise is an option. I have called and emailed requesting my subscription be cancelled immediately and they have refused.Business Response
Date: 01/05/2024
****************** actively signed up for an annual subscription, not a free trial, on September 4th, 2023, agreeing to the terms and conditions of the subscription, and has downloaded an image since signing up. She has been informed of our cancellation policy and provided instructions to turn off the auto-renew feature to prevent the subscription from automatically renewing at the end of subscription term. Our cancellation policy is clear and can be found in our license agreement at ********************************************************************************Customer Answer
Date: 01/10/2024
Complaint: 21067902
I am rejecting this response because Istock advertised that the monthly subscription could be cancelled via stopping auto new at anytime. They did not make it clear that it was an annual subscription charged monthly and that it could only be cancelled after one year. I turned off auto renew immediately after use so I would only be charged for one month. This is not a monthly subscription as advertised. It is annual. Its a scam.
Sincerely,
*********************************Initial Complaint
Date:12/28/2023
Type:Order IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I signed up for a free trial with iStock. In the sign-up there was no mention of a recurring and permanent 12-month contract with them. I did not put any billing information in. They billed me for the first month after the free trial through my PayPal (I never set this up).I asked them to cancel this and give me my money back, and threatened me saying I have to pay half of the year ($425), and they'll cancel. I never checked a box saying I agree, I just want them to not charge me again. Their "accept to the terms" is not clear, and as a customer, I was not made aware what I was signing up for. I merely wanted the free trials to test it out.By not giving them payment details, I could not believe when they billed my PayPal.Business Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends. On November 28th,2023, ******************** actively opted for a Free Trial subscription and downloaded an image during the trial period. After the free trial period concluded on December 27th, we billed his credit card for the first month of the annual subscription. We can confirm that Mr. ********* subscription has been inactivated.Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2024
Complaint: 21066796
I am rejecting this response because:The wording is misleading. Even if I was billed for the first month, I was trapped in a 12 month contract - which was clear and obvious.
The wording needs to change and people signing up for the free trial should be fully aware of what theyre potentially getting into.
I appreciate you cancelling my account, but please make changes for future users.
Sincerely,
***********************Initial Complaint
Date:12/28/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I had a free trial I was trying to cancel but its so complicated on the website they charged me 70 dollars and I wanna cancel and return it they make it difficultBusiness Response
Date: 01/01/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends.
Ms. P**** case:
On November 28th, 2023, ************ actively opted for a Free Trial subscription and downloaded images during the trial period. After the free trial period concluded on December 27th, we billed his credit card for the first month of the annual subscription. ************ contacted us on December 28th expressing his desire to cancel his subscription. He was informed of our cancellation and refund policies. His subscription was eligible for cancellation and was cancelled as requested. ************ was advised there would be no additional charges to his credit card. However, ************ did not qualify for a refund in accordance with our Free Trial cancellation policy.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/28/2023
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I created an account for **********************, a subsidiary of Getty Images, on October 22nd 2023. The free trial was for a month and I received no notification of the free trial ending before I was charged $70 dollars for the first month. I then went to the website and turned off auto-renewal hoping that it would cancel the subscription as I saw no other options to do so however I just received an email of my second charge of $70. I looked into the charges and saw that even though I had turned off auto-renewal I would receive $70 charges for the rest of the year with no way to cancel it. I looked into this issue online and realized that is it a known problem customers have with the website. Through a ******** page called Getty Images Victims of other users who have had this issue I emailed investor relations at Getty Images and was also told to file a complaint here. Please help me cancel my subscription as this has put me in a very difficulty financial situation.Business Response
Date: 01/01/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends.
******************** case:
On October 22nd, 2023, ******************** actively opted for a Free Trial subscription and downloaded images during the trial period. After the free trial period concluded on November 21st, we billed her credit card for the first month of the annual subscription. ******************** continued downloading images during the paid portion of her annual subscription.
******************** contacted us on December 27th expressing her desire to cancel her subscription. She was informed of our cancellation and refund policies, and was informed by our **************** team that she is eligible to cancel her annual subscription;however, the cancellation will include a $70.00 administrative fee. Once ******************** agrees to the terms of the cancellation, we will proceed with the cancellation request.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/27/2023
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Hi there, I am filing this complaint because I feel the company uses intentionally deceptive communication to lock users into an annual subscription.On Nov 22, 2023, I signed up for a free trial with iStock.com. The check out page for the free trial only mentions the monthly fee of $85, which gave me the impression I was signing up for a monthly subscription not an annual one. The confirmation email also only mentions $85/month, not the total annual fee. During the month of the free trial, iStock did not send any updates or reminders about the free trial ending or mention the total annual commitment. On December 22, 2023, I received an email saying they would charge me $85 for then next 10 months. I immediately sent an email asking to cancel my subscription. They said they could cancel my subscription if I paid for the next 5 months upfront (in addition to the first invoice). It is not clear whether or not I could even use the service during the next 6 months or if I would just be paying to be released from the paying even more. I replied to say I would happily pay for 2 months (i.e. my free trial month and the first month of paid service) but did not hear back. I called them and was told that subscription agents don't speak to clients over the phone.I have only downloaded one photo from the service. Again, I am happy to pay for two months ********************* to cover the use of this one photo, but I am requesting that my subscription be cancelled and that all future payments be cancelled. iStock is very aware of this issue as they have several similar complaints on BBB as well as many complaints on review websites, yet they have not adopted more transparent operating policies. Thank you.Business Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends.
Because ******************** downloaded one (1) digital file and did not cancel within the trial period, the only way to cancel the subscription is to incur an administrative fee, in accordance with our Free Trial Subscription Cancellation Policy, which was clearly explained and offered to ******************** on December 23rd,2023.Customer Answer
Date: 01/04/2024
Complaint: 21062163
I am rejecting this response because: I disagree with iStock's opinion that the communication around their free trial is transparent. I am not alone in this view given the many other complaints that have been filed with the Better Business Bureau against them regarding the same issue. More importantly, I find the practices of this company to fit the definitions of a subscription trap, per information from the ****************** ******.They have also communicated conflicting and unclear information to me regarding how to cancel the subscription. In their reply to me through the BBB they said that I can cancel the subscription by incurring "an administrative fee" yet in their emails to me they specifically state that I must pay "half the remaining amount of your full subscription value" (see attached screenshot of the email).
Please cancel my subscription immediately and stop all future charges.
Sincerely,
***********************Business Response
Date: 01/21/2024
************************ subscription was cancelled as requested, and there will be no additional charges to her credit card.Customer Answer
Date: 01/22/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***********************Initial Complaint
Date:12/27/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
December 20th charged for a subscription in which there was no cancellation option of free trial and the payment came out pending. Requested to cancel within 10 days as per OCPA and was advised there is a $425 "Admin fee" this fee is not noted anywhere. There was nothing done on this service post payment date. I request a cancellation and possible refund of the $96.05 paidBusiness Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends.
Because ************************** downloaded eight (8) digital files and did not cancel within the trial period, the only way to cancel the subscription is to incur an administrative fee, in accordance with our Free Trial Subscription Cancellation Policy, which was clearly explained and offered to ************************** on December 22nd, 2023.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2024
Complaint: 21061058
I am rejecting this response because:The self serve option to cancel did not cancel only removed auto renew. Also there is no mention anywhere of the cost of an administrative fee of $425. Anything downloaded is part of a free trial and should not even be considered in this dispute otherwise that contradicts it being a free trial. Finally upon my initial request to cancel I was sent the below message and it is not stated to be an admin fee but solely half the subscription to get out of the contract. So not an admin fee but a buy out and that is not in any terms.
I can cancel your subscription early if you agree to paying half the remaining amount of your full subscription value. The amount due would be .CAD 425.00
Sincerely,
*********************************Customer Answer
Date: 01/11/2024
The company agreed to cancelling my subscription and not charging for any future payment.Initial Complaint
Date:12/27/2023
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
1.Date of transaction : December 20, 2023 2.The amount of money I paid the business : $ ***** 3.account number : **************** number : ********** On November 20th, 2023, I signed up for a free trial with iStock and inadvertently missed the 1-month cancellation window due to a family medical emergency. Since then, I've attempted to cancel my subscription after being charged , but my efforts have been met with challenges. Without receiving any notification that the subscription payment would be processed shortly after the end of the free trial, I faced a family health issue and missed the opportunity to cancel the free trial subscription. I discovered a charge of $***** on December 20, 2023, and promptly requested a subscription cancellation from iStock. However, I was informed that cancellation was not possible, and I received an email stating that if I wished to cancel, a fee of $425 would be charged.Despite initiating the payment and allowing a minimum cooling-off period of 10 to 14 days, iStock, which refuses to cancel the subscription and attempts to proceed with forced payment, is an unscrupulous company seeking to take advantage of consumers. I, as a powerless consumer, request your assistance in this matter.Business Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends. Because ********** downloaded three (3) digital file and did not cancel within the trial period, the only way to cancel the subscription is to incur an administrative fee, in accordance with our Free Trial Subscription Cancellation Policy, which was clearly explained and offered to ********** on December 22nd, 2023.Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2024
Complaint: 21060367
I am rejecting this response because:Generally, for most online contracts, there is a cooling-off period of approximately 10 to 14 days. This period aims to protect customers, who may not fully grasp the details of the contract, from one-sided profit-seeking by large corporations.
Due to a sudden family health emergency, I became aware of an unintended oversight in not cancelling the subscription within the free trial period, resulting in an unilateral credit card charge by iStock. Immediately upon realizing this, I attempted to contact the customer service team to terminate the subscription. However, iStock does not provide a direct customer service contact number, and within my personal account, there is no option to cancel the subscription. This appears to be a deliberate and one-sided act of exploitation by iStock, bordering on fraudulent behavior, with the absence of any means for customers to cancel subscriptions. Allowing this situation to persist would, in my opinion, be detrimental to fair trade practices.
Furthermore, iStock failed to send any notification emails, a standard practice among the majority of online companies, as the free trial period approached its end. This further contributes to the perception that iStock is a company attempting to exploit the situation for unjust gains.
Moreover, the amount of $425 presented by iStock as the cost for subscription cancellation is unreasonably exorbitant. Considering the numerous individuals facing similar situations, as evidenced by posts on platforms like ********* it strongly suggests that iStock is a malicious company deliberately planning to exploit customers for unjust gains.
As of November 20, 2023, I downloaded three subpar photos during the free trial period. The current charge of $97.75 imposed by iStock for this, coupled with their audacious refusal to allow annual subscription cancellation, is unduly excessive. I earnestly implore you to acknowledge the egregious nature of iStock's actions and kindly resolve this issue from the perspective of a fair-minded customer.
Sincerely,
***********************Initial Complaint
Date:12/27/2023
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Dear Better Business Bureau of ******,I am filing a formal complaint against iStock. This issue appears to be widespread, and I am seeking your assistance in investigating the matter.My concerns stem from the challenges I faced while attempting to cancel a free subscription with iStock. Despite my efforts, the company is making it exceedingly difficult and is seeking an excessive fee of $425+tax for cancellation, on top of the $96 I have already paid through PayPal after revoking their access.Communication with their customer service is limited to email, and responses are significantly delayed. Phone inquiries revealed the absence of a dedicated customer service department for cancellations, leaving me without a viable alternative for a prompt resolution.Additionally, I am apprehensive about the security of my personal information as iStock insists on obtaining my credit card details. Given their questionable practices and shared experiences by others, I am reluctant to provide such sensitive information.Maintaining a positive credit score has been a priority for me, and I am distressed that iStock's actions may have adverse effects. This situation has left me uncertain about the next steps, prompting me to seek your assistance.For your reference, here are links to online reviews from individuals who have faced similar challenges with iStock:Trustpilot: ****************************************************************** SiteJabber: **************************************************************** G2 Reviews: ******************************************************************************************************************************************** These reviews collectively highlight a pattern of predatory behavior and unfair practices by iStock. I believe that an investigation into their business practices is necessary to protect consumers from further harm.I appreciate your attention to this matter and kindly request your assistance in mediating a fair resolution. Thank you for your time and consideration.*************************Business Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends. Because **************** downloaded one (1) digital file and did not cancel within the trial period, the only way to cancel the subscription is to incur an administrative fee, in accordance with our Free Trial Subscription Cancellation Policy, which was clearly explained and offered to **************** on December 10th,2023.Customer Answer
Date: 01/09/2024
iStock sent me an email January 4 **** indicating they are canceling my subscription:
iStock is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring that our customers have a positive and satisfying experience with our products and services. We understand that circumstances change, and customers may need to make decisions that were not anticipated at the beginning of their subscription purchase. We have carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding this matter and will immediately cancel your subscription.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/09/2024
Thank you for your assistance in this matterInitial Complaint
Date:12/27/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have requested a cancellation from a free trial and have been extorted to pay $425. You cannot manage the subscription online and per the consumer act you have 14 days to cancel any subscription WITHOUT penalty. I was charged $95 CDN on December 26th. There are thousands of complaints from Reddit, LinkedIn and Trustpilot about this matter to name a few. This business is unethical and I demand a refund and to cancel the subscription per the consumer protection act.Business Response
Date: 01/02/2024
Our offer is transparent and straightforward; there's nothing hidden or misleading about it. At iStock, we clearly outline that new customers can enjoy 10 free downloadable images as part of a trial connected to an annual subscription. These 10 free trial images can be selected during the first month (the trial month) exclusively. Our terms explicitly state that it is the customer's responsibility to cancel the paid subscription before the free trial period ends. During the trial period, customers can request to cancel by reaching out to **************** or by utilizing the self-service option. Please note that the self-service option is no longer available once the free trial ends. Because ************** downloaded two (2) digital files and did not cancel within the trial period, the only way to cancel the subscription is to incur an administrative fee, in accordance with our Free Trial Subscription Cancellation Policy, which was clearly explained and offered to ************** on December 27th, 2023.Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2024
Complaint: 21059977
I am rejecting this response because:My request was formally submitted on December 26 2023, not on December 27 2023.
I received an invoice on December 26 2023, not an Agreement by iStock on December 26 2023.
Per the Consumer Protection Act, ****, S.O. ****, c. 30, Sched. A
(2) A consumer may cancel an internet agreement within 30 days after the date the agreement is entered into, if the supplier does not comply with a requirement under section 39. ****, c. 19, s. 7 (7).I received an email from iStock customer service on December *******, claiming: "I can cancel your subscription early if you agree to paying half the remaining amount of your full subscription value. The amount due would be CAD 425.00."
That does not reflect an 'Administrative Fee' and is reflective of a subscription trap by enticing consumers by means of a free trial. These practices are tarnishing the Getty reputation. Furthermore, there are thousands of complaints over various internet platforms to the extortion to pay large sums of the 'claimed subscription'.
I have since sent three emails and have not received a single response from iStock customer service, which is a complete dissatisfaction from a customer service experience and to the integrity of the organization.
Please remedy this immediately by cancelling the subscription and refunding the charge on December 26, 2023.
Sincerely,
*************************Business Response
Date: 01/11/2024
iStock is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring that our customers have a positive and satisfying experience with our products and services. We understand that circumstances change, and customers may need to make decisions that were not anticipated at the beginning of their subscription purchase. We have carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding this matter and have cancelled **************** subscription and there will be no additional charges to her credit card. This decision was made notwithstanding the information we provide clearly states that after billing commences, cancelation is not possible until the end of the committed period. We also advise customers via the confirmation email sent at registration, as well as in our Content License Agreement.This policy is clearly outlined in the FAQs.Customer Answer
Date: 01/13/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
*************************Initial Complaint
Date:12/26/2023
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I was a contributor for iStock photos in 2021 and 2022. I requested to terminate my account in 7/2022. All of my content was to be removed, but more importantly, I was not to receive any more royalties after 90 days post my termination request. This is important because it impacts my taxes, and I wanted to make sure I did not have to worry about any paperwork after 2022 tax year. In April 2023, I received a separate remittance email notifying me of a small royalty payment. I emailed Getty numerous times to A) try to understand what this was; B) what I need to do about it for 2023 taxes; and C) that it will not happen again as I do not want to be checking for random emails for the rest of my life. I terminated my account so I wouldn't have to worry about this. No one has answered. I've tried multiple emails and methods. I'm getting no response. I need to know what this payment was for, if they can reverse it, and I need assurance I will never get payment from them again.Business Response
Date: 01/04/2024
We apologize for the delay in getting your issue resolved. Your case has been escalated to our Contributor Support team. They are actively working on this and will follow up with you via email shortly. Thank you for your patience.Customer Answer
Date: 01/04/2024
Complaint: 21058474
I am rejecting this response because: They have not resolved the issue; their message was just that they are working on it. I will await more info before accepting their response.
Sincerely,
***********************Customer Answer
Date: 01/17/2024
I never heard anything more from the business.Business Response
Date: 01/26/2024
We apologize if ********************** issue has not been resolved. ****************** was sent an initial message from our Creator Support Team on January 3rd, ****, and a follow up message on January 25th. We apologize if these messages have not been received and if this issue is still outstanding. ****************** can view these messages by logging into her account and reviewing her tickets in the ****************** section.
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